So if the current attempt fails and either Steve gives up completely or Bruce pushes the record out to something Steve can't achieve are you going to sum it up as "So the Team's plan results in Steve putting 20 months into never taking the record" ?
You should read LWAB's comments on the fundamental binary success/faliure nature of the attempt.
I certainly dont see it as that simple; but when responding to LWAB, sometimes it is simpler to discuss things on his terms.
You are missing the point Matt. There are quotes along the lines of "Insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results."
Steve and his team are now grinding along exactly the same path that ended a few days ago with Steve on the podium for year distance (at the time). In a few days' time, he'll be pushed into 4th by Kurt. Granted, if Steve continues till August, he'll (hopefully) not have to cope with a broken ankle but he is still collecting infections. Steve is barely increasing his average riding speed and still losing hours during each day's ride. At best (assuming more intensive support and less wasted time each day), his daily average from now till the finish would top out around 210 miles (assuming he doesn't break) and he would beat his 2015 tally but not Tommy or Kurt. That would get him to 3rd or 4th. Continuing this attempt is not a no-cost option (costs are not just monetary) and, appearances to the contrary, Steve is not a machine.
Idai said that the team will review Steve's performance at the end of January. That is at least a month later than they should have done it, but better than nothing. They should compare Steve's performance against the 220 daily miles needed from now till August but are now targeting averaging 205 daily miles sometime in March. That schedule inevitably requires Steve to average around 235 daily miles for 3 months (thanks to jsabine for juggling the numbers). That daily average distance simply is not viable, given Steve's current condition and potential rate of improvement.
Starting again, having recovered properly, regained his cruising speed and optimised his strategy and support based on what was learnt from 2015, I reckon Steve could average up to 220 daily miles over the year. That sort of performance would result in a formidable total. He may fail but he would have a realistic chance of getting the record.